Rack storage system with escape routes and method for providing escape routes in such a rack storage system
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GEBRHARDT FORDERTECHN GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2015-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Shelf storage devices with long aisles face challenges in providing safe escape routes during maintenance or fire situations due to compact design, violating building regulations and posing risks from blocked aisles by storage/retrieval units.
The implementation of escape openings between aisles, controlled by a central device to deactivate storage/retrieval units and combine aisles into a single escape unit, ensuring safe access to ascent/descent units via alternate routes.
Ensures compliance with safety standards by providing two escape routes within 100/50m limits, maintaining device availability, and preventing accidents during maintenance or fire scenarios.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL AREA
[0001] The present invention relates to a rack storage device with escape routes in case of danger, longitudinally extending rack storage units spaced parallel to one another in the width direction and extending in the height direction, rack aisles running between adjacent rack storage units, each of which has longitudinally extending aisles arranged one above the other in the height direction, at least one storage / retrieval unit movable in the longitudinal direction in each aisle, an ascent / descent unit or an access leading to an ascent / descent unit in the end region of each rack aisle, in particular in both longitudinally opposite end regions, which is blocked by storage / retrieval units during normal operation.
[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for providing escape routes in such a rack storage device. STATE OF THE ART
[0003] The aisles of such rack storage systems are electronically monitored for safety reasons during normal operation and are locked from the outside, but can be opened from the inside at any time. Personnel are not normally permitted to enter these aisles, as automated storage and retrieval processes take place within them. If maintenance work needs to be carried out within a rack storage system or a technical malfunction needs to be rectified, a technician must be able to access the relevant aisle and, in the event of a fire, requires an escape route. This is particularly problematic with long aisles, as building regulations require a second escape route for such long aisles, which is difficult to implement due to the very compact design of rack storage systems.Furthermore, in many cases, the storage / retrieval units, such as a small stacker crane (also called a multi-level shuttle (MLS)), a one-level shuttle (OLS), or a stacker crane, block escape in one direction of the aisle, as the technician cannot pass between the storage / retrieval unit and the racking unit due to the small gap. If, in an emergency, the technician escapes through an adjacent aisle containing another storage / retrieval unit, assuming access is even possible, this can lead to fatal accidents. This is because, due to the high availability requirements, the racking system must continue operating as much as possible even during maintenance or repairs, and the aisles not affected by the malfunction or maintenance continue to be used by storage / retrieval units.
[0004] For example, the model guideline on structural fire protection in industrial buildings (Model Industrial Building Guideline – MindBauRL), dated July 2014, stipulates that inspection and maintenance walkways that are only occasionally accessed and consist of non-combustible building materials can generally be accessed via fixed ladders, whereby the fixed ladder must be reachable at a maximum distance of 100 m in the case of two escape routes, and at a maximum distance of 50 m in the case of only one escape route. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the present invention is based on the objective or technical problem of providing a rack storage system which, in a known, compact design, can also have relatively long rack aisles and offers high safety standards with regard to fire protection and provides escape routes, whereby the provision of escape routes is economically feasible, enables safe escape and allows for high availability of the rack storage system despite maintenance or troubleshooting work.
[0006] The present invention further addresses the objective or technical problem of providing a method for the economical provision of escape routes while ensuring high safety standards for a rack storage system of the type mentioned above.
[0007] The rack storage device according to the invention is defined by the features of independent claims 1 and 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the claims directly or indirectly dependent on the aforementioned independent claim 1 or 10.
[0008] The method according to the invention is defined by the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the method are defined by the features of the method claims that are directly or indirectly dependent on the independent method claim 11.
[0009] The rack storage device according to the invention of the type mentioned at the outset is characterized accordingly in that at least one escape opening, in particular several escape openings spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, are provided between aisles arranged vertically adjacent above or below one another or horizontally adjacent aisles spaced apart to the left and right, and a control device is provided which, in the event that maintenance or troubleshooting work has to be carried out in an aisle, deactivates the storage / retrieval units of that aisle, provided that these are not already defective, and deactivates the storage / retrieval unit in the aisle connected below / above or beside it via the escape opening, so that in addition to the aisle in which the maintenance and troubleshooting work is carried out,The first escape route is the alleyway running above / below or next to it, and the second escape route to reach the ascent / descent unit is also available.
[0010] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized by the fact that, before the service technician enters the aisle and before the storage / retrieval unit in the aisle below / above or next to it is deactivated, the control device automatically moves the storage / retrieval unit into a longitudinal position or makes it movable, so that the length of the second escape route to the ascent / descent unit is minimized.
[0011] An advantageous further development that has proven itself in practice is characterized by the fact that two adjacent alleyways are connected to each other via at least one escape opening and are combined into an escape unit in terms of control technology.
[0012] The concept according to the invention provides, in one aspect, that two aisles are always combined into a single escape route unit, which can also be controlled jointly by enabling access to the aisle and deactivating the storage / retrieval units located in both aisles. In an aisle where maintenance work is being carried out or the defective storage / retrieval unit is being repaired, a first escape route is available. Furthermore, an adjacent second aisle, accessible via the escape opening, is also deactivated and thus provides an additional safe escape route.
[0013] An advantageous design that guarantees high safety standards is characterized by the fact that the control device releases the escape door of at least two adjacent alleyways before entry, so that the second escape route is provided before the technician enters the alley.
[0014] A preferred design, which ensures safe normal operation and at the same time opens up two escape route options as needed in case of danger, is characterized by the fact that the escape opening has locking units that can be opened manually or whose opening is enabled via the control device before access to the alley.
[0015] The locking units can be designed, for example, as a flap, in particular a floor flap, in the case of interconnected passageways, or as a door in the case of interconnected passageways.
[0016] To ensure safe passage through escape openings in interconnected alleyways, an advantageous design is characterized by the presence of a swiveling ladder unit in the area of the escape opening.
[0017] In an optional configuration, sensor units are provided at the escape openings, which communicate with a control unit to ensure that all escape openings are closed when a storage / retrieval unit is put into operation within an aisle during normal operation.
[0018] A particularly advantageous optional design, which meets basic safety standards, is characterized by the use of a locking mechanism on all escape doors between the aisles and the access / descent units. However, during maintenance or troubleshooting work, only those escape doors belonging to a single escape unit—that is, aisles arranged one above the other or side by side—are opened. The release of the corresponding escape door occurs automatically before entering the aisle, for example, via the control unit. A particularly simple design involves omitting the escape door entirely between two adjacent and grouped aisles of the same level, thus ensuring that both access / descent units are always safely deactivated upon entry to prevent accidents.
[0019] The storage / retrieval unit can be designed, for example, as a one-level shuttle (OLS), as a small storage and retrieval machine (also called a multi-level shuttle (MLS)) or generally as a storage and retrieval machine.
[0020] An alternative embodiment of a rack storage device of the type mentioned at the outset according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the storage / retrieval unit is designed as a one-level shuttle (OLS) with several shuttle elements that can be moved vertically one above the other and longitudinally, is characterized in that a control device is provided which, prior to access to the aisle for the purpose of carrying out maintenance and troubleshooting work, moves the shuttle elements into a position in the x-direction or switches them to a movable position by means of an idle circuit, such that the shuttle elements are positioned so that the maintenance personnel can pass over or under at least one respective shuttle element from above or below, so that in case of danger an escape route to both ascending / descending units is available in the front end area.In this configuration, only one passageway is deactivated, and no escape route is formed from two adjacent or superimposed passageways. The OLS (Operational Safety Lines) are positioned (automatically or manually) before passageway access so that the technician can pass above or below them.
[0021] The inventive method for providing a further escape route in the event of maintenance or troubleshooting work being carried out within an aisle of a rack storage system according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 9 or the preamble of claim 1, is characterized in that two or more aisles are combined into an escape unit by means of a control system at aisle access, wherein at least two aisles of this escape unit are connected to each other by one or more escape openings, and an aisle of this escape unit in which no maintenance or troubleshooting work is carried out is provided as a second escape route.
[0022] A particularly preferred embodiment of the method is characterized by the fact that access to the passage is only possible after the second escape route in the alleyway, in which no maintenance or troubleshooting work is carried out, has been provided by appropriate automatic or manual positioning of the storage / retrieval unit.
[0023] An advantageous further development of the procedure is characterized by the fact that, upon entry into the alleyway, access to the ascent / descent unit of the second alleyway of the escape unit is freely enabled.
[0024] It has proven advantageous to further develop procedures so that the locking units of the escape opening are automatically unlocked upon access to the alley and / or can be opened manually in the event of a power failure, emergency stop or emergency.
[0025] An alternative to the inventive method, in which only one aisle is deactivated and in which a one-level shuttle is arranged, is characterized in that, prior to access to the aisle in which maintenance or troubleshooting work must be carried out, the shuttle elements of the storage / retrieval unit designed as a one-level system (OLS) are automatically or manually positioned after access to the aisle by means of idle switching, so that a person can pass above or below them, thus providing an escape route in both directions to the respective ascent / descent unit.
[0026] In summary, a rack storage device or method according to the invention is proposed in which, in the event of danger during maintenance or troubleshooting work, a further escape route within the rack storage system is provided, wherein in a first alternative embodiment two or more aisles are combined into an escape unit at aisle access, wherein at least two aisles of this escape unit are connected to each other in the z- or y-direction by one or more escape doors or escape openings and optionally ladders – distributed in the longitudinal direction, wherein one aisle of this unit, in which no maintenance or troubleshooting work is carried out, is available as a second escape route and the technician can only enter the aisle or the two aisles after the second escape route is provided, i.e., the escape opening is passable.The storage / retrieval unit in this aisle is moved to the appropriate position and deactivated. This allows the technician to access another aisle in case of fire and use it as an escape route, even in the event of a power outage, emergency stop, or emergency shutdown.
[0027] In the second alternative optional configuration, in which a one-level shuttle with several vertically stacked and longitudinally moving entry / exit units is present in alleyways, these roadway units are positioned in front of the alleyway entrance in such a way that the technician can pass above or below them, thus enabling escape routes in both directions to the ascent / descent units.
[0028] Another preferred design variant, which in practice meets the high safety standards of, for example, the German regulations for escape routes according to the Industrial Building Directive, is characterized by the fact that the escape openings between two adjacent or side-by-side corridors are arranged in such a way that, in the case where two escape route options are available, the maximum length of the second escape route is 100 m and, in the case where only one escape route is possible, the escape route length is a maximum of 50 m.
[0029] This allows for the implementation of rack storage systems with a total length of almost 200 m.
[0030] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention become apparent from the features further listed in the claims and from the exemplary embodiments given below. The features of the claims can be combined with one another in any way, provided they are not obviously mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0031] The invention, as well as advantageous embodiments and further developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawing. The features that can be derived from the description and the drawing can be applied individually or in any combination according to the invention. The drawing shows:
[0032] Fig. 1. Highly schematic perspective view of a rack storage system with rack storage units, rack aisles running between the rack storage units with aisles in which storage / retrieval units are movable, wherein two aisles arranged one above the other are combined to form an escape unit, which offers two escape route options in case of danger and the second escape route leads via an escape opening through the floor of the aisle,
[0033] Fig. 2. Schematic top view of the rack storage device according to Fig. 1,
[0034] Fig. 3 Schematic front view of the rack storage device according to Fig. 1,
[0035] Fig. 4. Schematic top view of a rack storage device with the same basic structure as in Fig. 1 shown, however, the escape unit is formed by two adjacent alleyways and the escape opening leads through a rack storage unit,
[0036] Fig. 5 Schematic front view of the rack storage device according to Fig. 4
[0037] Fig. 6 Highly schematic longitudinal view of a rack storage system with escape openings between two adjacent stacked aisles in the event of a malfunction in one aisle, wherein the storage / retrieval units are designed as a small storage and retrieval machine (also called a multi-level shuttle (MLS)),
[0038] Fig. 7 highly schematic longitudinal view of a rack storage system according to Fig. 6 in the event of a malfunction, in the state of providing two escape routes,
[0039] Fig. 8 Highly schematic longitudinal view of a rack storage system in the event of a malfunction, in the state of providing two escape routes, wherein the storage / retrieval units are designed as a one-level shuttle (OLS),
[0040] Fig. 9. Schematic detailed longitudinal view of a rack storage system whose length is less than 50 m without escape openings,
[0041] Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 Schematic detailed longitudinal view of rack storage devices with different lengths and different positioning of the escape openings and different numbers of escape openings, showing the respective escape route with length specifications, wherein the storage / retrieval unit is designed as a small storage and retrieval machine (also called Multi-Level-Shuttle (MLS)) and two aisles arranged one above the other are designed as an escape unit and
[0042] Fig. 12 Schematic detailed longitudinal view of a rack storage device in which the storage / retrieval units are designed as one-level shuttles (OLS), several of which are spaced vertically apart from the units within an aisle and the two escape routes are already provided by appropriate procedure of the OLS within an aisle. WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION
[0043] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a highly schematic embodiment of a rack storage system. 10 , whose main components are arranged within an orthogonal coordinate system with longitudinal direction x, vertical direction y and horizontal direction z. The rack storage system 10 features rack storage units extending in the longitudinal direction x and vertical direction y, and spaced parallel in the lateral direction z 12on, in which goods are stored or retrieved. Between adjacent rack storage units 12.1 , 12.2 , 12.3 shelf aisles run 14.1 , 14.2 , 14.3 , the alleyways arranged one above the other in the vertical direction y 15.11 , 15.12 , 15.13 , 15.14 have storage / retrieval units within which are movable in the longitudinal direction x 20.1 , 20.2 , 20.3 , 20.4 are arranged, which are controlled via a global control unit and which store the goods in the rack storage units according to the specifications of the control unit 12.1 , 12.2 , 12.3 to store or retrieve goods.
[0044] Every alleyway 16 features a alleyway floor 18 on which rail units, not shown in detail, are mounted to guide the storage / retrieval units.
[0045] Furthermore, there are at the front end of each shelf aisle at the beginning and end. 14.1 , 14.2 , 14.3 The figures depict highly schematic front and rear ascent / descent units. 30.1 , 30.2 , 30.3 ; 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 depicted, which can be designed, for example, as ladder units, stair towers, or elevators. Furthermore, the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 schematically depicted in both opposite end areas of each alleyway 16 existing corridor escape doors 62 existing, which are closed during normal operation, so that access to the alleyways is possible. 16 For security reasons, due to the automated storage / retrieval process, this is only possible through special measures.
[0046] The width of the alleyways and the height of the alleyways 16 is in the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 indicated with the reference GB or GH.
[0047] The storage / retrieval unit 20.1 , 20.2 , 20.3 It can be designed, for example, as a small storage and retrieval machine (also called a multi-level shuttle (MLS)), a one-level shuttle (OLS), or generally as a storage and retrieval machine. Typically, when using an MLS, almost the entire aisle cross-section (GB, GH) is filled by the MLS. Regarding the design of the storage / retrieval unit... 20.1 , 20.2 , 20.3 as OLS per alleyway 16 are several shuttle elements arranged offset from each other in the vertical direction y, each of which can be moved individually 24 available (see for example) Fig. 8).
[0048] The special feature according to the invention of the illustrated embodiment of the rack storage device 10 It now consists of two alleyways arranged one above the other. 16.11 , 16.12or 16.13 , 16.14 to an “escape unit” 80 “are combined by connecting the two adjacent alleyways 16.11 , 16.12 or 16.13 , 16.14 In the exemplary embodiment, an escape opening 50 in the corridor floor 18 is present, which can be crossed by a person in case of danger, who is carrying out maintenance or troubleshooting work within a passageway 16.11 stops. Thus, within the two alleyways, 16.11 , 16.12 or 16.13 , 16.14 existing escape unit 80 There are always two escape routes in case of danger to the respective ascent / descent unit. 30 , 40 provided, namely an escape route in the upper alleyway 16.11 and an escape route via the lower alleyway 16.12 or vice versa, depending on which alleyway 16.11 , 16.12the work needs to be carried out.
[0049] The in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrated rack storage device 10 It has essentially the same structure as the rack storage system according to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, however with the difference that the escape opening 60 not between adjacent, one above the other, alleyways 16 , but between adjacent alleyways spaced parallel to each other in the latitudinal direction z 20.11 , 20.21 with escape openings arranged in between 60 to be formed, that is, the escape openings. 60 through the respective rack storage unit 12.2 This leads to [a situation / issues]. This ensures that, in case of danger during maintenance work within a passageway, [it is possible to] [something / something - context needed]. 16.11 firstly, an escape route within the alleyway 16.11 and secondly, a second escape route in the adjacent alleyway 16.21 , which is via the escape opening60 in the rack storage unit 12.2 can be achieved.
[0050] The following Fig. 6 to Fig. The 14 illustrated embodiments, some of which refer to specific exemplary length specifications, assume that the rack storage device 10 In any case, the safety-relevant regulation is fulfilled, that the ascent / descent unit 30 , 40 This can be achieved over an escape route length of a maximum of 100 m, provided that two escape directions F1 and F2 are possible, and that with only one escape direction, the maximum length is 50 m. In other words, with two escape directions, the ascent / descent unit must 30 , 40 Regardless of the maintenance personnel's position, the area must be reachable within less than 100 m. This also implies that the maximum lane length is practically limited to 200 m.
[0051] The Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic longitudinal view of a rack storage device. 10 with 4 superimposed alleyways 16.11 , 16.12 , 16.13 , 16.14 . At both ends of the alleyways, there is an ascent / descent unit, which in the exemplary embodiment is highly schematically represented as an escape ladder. 54 The end sections of each alleyway are shown. 16.11 , 16.12 , 16.13 , 16.14 are each accessed via a corridor emergency exit 62 sealed.
[0052] Within each alleyway 16.11 , 16.12 , 16.13 , 16.14 is a storage / retrieval unit that can be moved in the longitudinal direction x 20.11 , 20.12 , 20.13 , 20.14 Available. At the level of each alleyway. 16 There is a control device accessible from the outside in the front area. 70or a so-called registration switch is present, which is controlled by the respective storage / retrieval unit 20.11 , 20.12 , 20.13 , 20.14 and the respective escape door 62 is in communication contact.
[0053] Between the upper alleyway 16.11 and the alleyway below it 16.12 is in the area of the alleyway floor 18 an escape route 50 present, which provides a passageway between the upper alleyway 16.11 and the alleyway below it 16.12 The escape route allows it. 50 is through a floor hatch 52 Initially locked, and an escape ladder is located on the underside. 54 foldable in the area of the escape opening 50 articulated.
[0054] The upper alleyway 16.11 and the alleyway below it 16.12 are, in terms of escape technique, part of an escape unit 80In summary, this means, for example, that if a malfunction occurs in the storage / retrieval unit 20.11 in the upper alleyway 16.11 This alleyway must be entered by a technician. To do so, he activates the control device. 70 , which then caused the corridor escape doors to be opened 62 in the upper alleyway 16.11 and in the alleyway below 16.12 The storage / retrieval unit will be opened. 20.11 and 20.12 in the alleyways 16.11 , 16.12 be deactivated after the storage / retrieval unit 20.12 in the undisturbed alleyway below 16.12 has moved into a position that provides an escape route F2 from the upper alleyway 16.11 via the lower alleyway 16.12 to the ascent / descent unit or escape ladder 54 made possible in the shortest possible way.
[0055] In other words, the upper alleyway16.11 It is therefore available as a passageway for repairs, and the passageway below it 16.12 In case of danger, it offers the option of using the upper alleyway. 16.11 a second escape route.
[0056] In the exemplary embodiment, the escape opening 50 with an opening bottom flap 52 equipped with a swiveling air guide on the underside 54 It is arranged so that it can be swung downwards if necessary to easily reach the alleyway below. 16.12 This condition is in Fig. 7 is shown. Thus, the upper alleyway offers itself 16.11 The technicians present have two escape routes F1 and F2 in case of danger (see Fig. 7) where, if the total length of the rack storage system is less than 200 m, it is always ensured that an escape route F1 or F2 is less than 100 m.
[0057] In the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is the storage / retrieval unit 20 designed as an MLS and practically occupies the entire cross-section (GB, GH) of a alleyway.
[0058] Fig. Figure 8 shows a rack storage system in which the storage / retrieval unit 20 is trained as OLS, that is, from individual per alleyway 16 Shuttle elements arranged one above the other at different heights 24 consists of elements that can be moved individually in the longitudinal direction x.
[0059] In principle, the escape route safety procedure in this embodiment also works in the same way as according to the [document / section]. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 illustrated embodiment, however with the difference that when the control device is actuated 70 in the alleyway 16.11 , in which a repair needs to be carried out, in addition to opening the corridor escape doors 62 and the procedure of the alleyway located below 16OLS located in a right end position, the shuttle elements 24 of the OLS in the upper alleyway 16.11 be moved into a position that allows access to the escape route 50 guaranteed, that is, in the embodiment according to Fig. 8. Move completely to the left edge position in the x-direction.
[0060] The following Fig. 9 to Fig. Figure 14 shows highly schematic examples of detailed rack storage systems with different aisle dimensions in the longitudinal direction x and the premise that at least two escape routes F1, F2 are always available, with each escape route not exceeding a maximum length of 100 m. In each case, two aisles are arranged one above the other. 16.12 , 16.13 considered, which form a flight unit.
[0061] Fig. Figure 9 shows an example with a lane length of 50 m, where it is not necessary to provide an escape opening.
[0062] The Fig. Figure 10 shows the arrangement of an escape opening. 50 during positioning of the defective storage / retrieval unit 20.11 in the unfavorable left end area where the escape opening 50 centrally located, meaning at a distance of approximately 50 m from the end area, for example. This is independent of the position of the defective infeed / outfeed unit. 20.11 is in the case of two possible escape routes ( Fig. 10) an escape route < 100 m and in the case of the unfavorable positioning of the storage / retrieval unit 20.11 at the level of the escape opening 50 A single escape route with a length of < 50 m is possible.
[0063] Essentially the same representation is also found in the Fig. 11 selected, wherein the rack storage device according to Fig. 11 has a length of, for example, < 135.5 m and, in the embodiment according to Fig. 11 total of three escape routes 50 spaced lengthwise x, for example at intervals of 50 m, 25 m and 12.5 m, whereby in the case of an unfavorable position of the storage / retrieval unit to be repaired 20.11 , in particular via one of the aforementioned escape routes 50 , a second escape route with a length of, for example, < 100 m is always guaranteed.
[0064] In principle, the storage / retrieval operations take place in the alleyways outside the escape unit. 80 continue undisturbed.
[0065] Fig. Figure 12 shows a rack storage system in which, unlike the above described, there are not two aisles arranged one above the other or next to each other. 16 not connected to an escape unit in terms of control technology and practicality as an escape route option, but only a passageway 16.11It serves as an escape unit, offering two escape route options, whereby in this alternative design the storage / retrieval unit 20 as OLS with individual shuttle elements that can be moved separately in the longitudinal direction 24 is trained. In contrast to the previously described examples, here the control unit is used. 70 before entering the alleyway 16 next to the opening of the corridor escape doors 62 previously arranged that the individual shuttle elements 24 move to a position in the longitudinal direction x that ensures passage for a person (above or below the respective position) and, upon reaching the respective position, the individual shuttle elements 24can be deactivated. It is also possible that the individual shuttle elements are not automatically moved into the "favorable" position, but are initially put into neutral, so that the person entering moves the individual shuttle elements into the most favorable position for passage. This ensures that an escape route is always possible in both directions, in or against the longitudinal direction x, to reach the ascent / descent units. 30 , 40 or the escape ladders 54 is available.
[0066] In the remaining aisles, which are not affected by the maintenance or troubleshooting work, the storage / retrieval units are operating. 20 Normal operation continues. Therefore, in the event of a malfunction or during maintenance work, only a single lane change is necessary. 16affected for the purpose of temporary shutdown, so that the rack storage system can continue to be operated efficiently and at the same time a system that meets safety standards for carrying out maintenance and troubleshooting work is ensured.
Claims
[1] Rack storage device ( 10 ) with – Escape routes (F1, F2) for emergency situations, – storage rack units extending in the longitudinal direction (x), parallel to each other in the width direction (z), and extending in the height direction (y) ( 12.1 , 12.2 ., 12.3 , ...), – between adjacent rack storage units ( 12.1 , ...) running shelf aisles ( 14.1 , 14.2 , 14.3 , ...), of which each alleyway arranged one above the other in the vertical direction (y) and running in the longitudinal direction (x) ( 16.11 , 16.21 , 16.31 , ...) exhibits, – at least one in every alleyway ( 16 ) longitudinally movable (x) storage / unloading unit ( 20.1 , 20.2 , 20.3 ), – one at the end of each shelf aisle ( 14 ), especially in both end regions opposite each other in the longitudinal direction (x), ascent / descent unit (30 , 40 ) or an access leading to an ascent / descent unit, which under normal operating conditions leads to the passageway ( 16 ) through a corridor escape door ( 62 ) is locked, – characterized by that – between alleyways arranged one above or below the other in the vertical direction (y) ( 16.11 , 16.12 , 16.13 , ...) or in the lateral direction (z) alleyways arranged side by side, spaced apart to the left and right ( 16.11 , 16.21 , 16.31 , ...) at least one escape route ( 50 , 60 ), in particular several escape openings spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (x) ( 50 , 60 ), are present, and – a control device ( 70 ) is present, which in the case where one enters an alleyway ( 16.11 ) Maintenance or troubleshooting work needs to be carried out on the storage / retrieval units ( 20.1) this alleyway ( 16.11 ) deactivated, unless it is already defective, and in the escape opening ( 50 , 60 ) connected alleyway running below / above or beside it ( 16.12 , 16.21 ), the storage / retrieval unit ( 20.12 , 20.21 ) disabled, – so that next to the alleyway ( 16.11 ), in which maintenance and troubleshooting work is carried out, the first escape route (F1) is the alleyway running above / below or next to it ( 16.12 , 16.21 ) as a second escape route (F2) to reach the ascent / descent unit ( 30 ) or ( 40 ) is available. [2] Rack storage device according to claim 1, – characterized by that – the control unit ( 70 ) before deactivating the storage / retrieval unit in the aisle located below / above or next to it ( 16.12 , 16.21) this automatically moves into a position in the longitudinal direction (x) or becomes movable, such that the length of the second escape route (F2) to the ascent / descent unit ( 30 , 40 ) is minimized. [3] Rack storage system according to claim 1 or 2, – characterized by that – each pair of adjacent alleyways ( 16 ) via at least one escape opening ( 50 , 60 ) are interconnected and, from a control technology perspective, form an escape unit ( 80 ) are summarized. [4] Rack storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, – characterized by that – the control unit ( 70 ) the corridor escape door ( 62 ) at least two adjacent alleyways ( 16 ) releases the area if necessary / before entry by a technician. [5] Rack storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, – characterized by that – the escape opening ( 50 , 60 ) Locking units ( 52 , 54 ) has a door that can be opened manually or whose opening is activated via the control device upon entry into the alley. [6] Rack storage device according to claim 5, – characterized by that – the locking unit as an escape hatch ( 52 ) or is designed as an emergency exit door. [7] Rack storage device according to claim 5 or 6, – characterized by that – at the escape opening ( 50 ) a swiveling escape ladder ( 54 ) is arranged. [8] Rack storage device according to one or more of claims 5 to 7, – characterized by that – a sensor unit is arranged at each escape opening, which communicates the closing status of the escape opening with the control device ( 70 ) communicated. [9] Rack storage device according to one or more of the preceding claims, – characterized by that – the storage / retrieval unit ( 20.1 , 20.2 , 20.3 , ...) is designed as a one-level shuttle (OLS), as a small storage and retrieval machine (also called a multi-level shuttle (MLS)) or as a storage and retrieval machine. [10] Rack storage device according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein the storage / retrieval unit ( 20 ) as a one-level shuttle (OLS) with several shuttle elements that can be moved vertically (y) above each other and longitudinally (x) ( 24 ) is trained, – characterized by that – a control device is present which, prior to access to the aisle for maintenance and troubleshooting work, moves the shuttle elements into a position in the X-direction or switches them to a movable position by means of an idle circuit, such that the shuttle elements are positioned so that the maintenance personnel can cross over or under at least one respective shuttle element from above or below, so that in case of danger an escape route to both ascent / descent units ( 30 , 40 ) is available in the frontal area. [11] Method for providing an additional escape route in the event of maintenance or repair work being carried out within an alleyway ( 16 ) a rack storage system ( 10 ) according to one or more of the foregoing claims 1 to 9 or the preamble of claim 1, – characterized by that – two or more alleyways ( 16) upon entering the alleyway, controllably leads to an escape unit ( 80 ) are summarized, with at least two alleyways ( 16 ) this escape unit ( 80 ) through one or more escape openings ( 50 , 60 are connected to each other, and – an alleyway ( 16 ) this escape unit, in which no maintenance or troubleshooting work is carried out, is provided as a second escape route. [12] Method according to claim 11, – characterized by that – access to the passageway is only possible after the second escape route in the alleyway, in which no maintenance or troubleshooting work is carried out, has been secured by appropriate automatic or manual positioning of the storage / retrieval unit ( 20 ) is provided. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, – characterized by that – at the entrance to the alleyway, access to the ascent / descent unit ( 30 , 40 ) of the second alleyway of the escape unit ( 80 ) is unlocked. [14] Method according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, – characterized by that – Locking units of the escape opening ( 60 , 70 ) are automatically unlocked upon entry to the alley and / or can be manually opened in case of power failure, emergency stop or emergency. [15] Method for providing an additional escape route in the event of maintenance or repair work being carried out within an alleyway ( 16 ) a rack storage system ( 10 ) according to claim 10 or the preamble of claim 10, – characterized by that – before access to the aisle where maintenance or troubleshooting work needs to be carried out, the shuttle elements of the storage / retrieval unit designed as a one-level system (OLS) ( 20 ) automatically or manually by means of idle switching after access to the alleyway so that a person can pass above or below each one, thus creating an escape route (F1, F2) in both directions to the respective ascent / descent unit ( 30 , 40 ) is available.